The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? ...Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident... For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock... I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
David was being sorely tried by the merciless pursuit of Saul. The pressure was so constant and intense it consumed his whole life in thought and action. There is nothing so exhausting as a problem or pain that just won't go away. It will sap the very life out of you if you don't find some source of refuge and relief. It drove David to his knees, crying out to the only One he knew could help him, and, with amazing strength, no matter how strong the pull downward, David's soul "somehow", just kept popping back up to the surface. But it wasn't just "somehow" on his own strength. He didn't have it to carry on alone. He found His strength in the One He knew; not at a distance, but right next to him, covering him in His Presence. This was not a desperate "hanging on for dear life". This was anchored in the eternal rock of ages.
David was being sorely tried by the merciless pursuit of Saul. The pressure was so constant and intense it consumed his whole life in thought and action. There is nothing so exhausting as a problem or pain that just won't go away. It will sap the very life out of you if you don't find some source of refuge and relief. It drove David to his knees, crying out to the only One he knew could help him, and, with amazing strength, no matter how strong the pull downward, David's soul "somehow", just kept popping back up to the surface. But it wasn't just "somehow" on his own strength. He didn't have it to carry on alone. He found His strength in the One He knew; not at a distance, but right next to him, covering him in His Presence. This was not a desperate "hanging on for dear life". This was anchored in the eternal rock of ages.
Safe in the shadow of the Lord
beneath His hand and power
I trust in Him,
I trust in Him,
my fortress and my tower.
My hope is set on God alone
though Satan spreads his snare,
I trust in Him,
I trust in Him
to keep me in His care.
From fears and phantoms of the night,
from foes about my way,
I trust in Him,
I trust in Him
by darkness as by day.
Strong in the everlasting name,
and in my Father's care,
I trust in Him,
I trust in Him
who hears and answers prayer.
John Ellerton
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